TV’s Single Women

The “Advanced TV Herstory” podcast series shines a spotlight on the influential role that television has played in shaping societal perceptions of unmarried women and their impact on feminist movements. Hosted by Cynthia Bemis Abrams, this four-part series delves into Jeanine Furino’s insightful book, “All the Single Girls,” which examines six decades of how unmarried women have been portrayed in women-centric TV series. Each episode explores different facets of this depiction:

1. **TV’s Single Women**: This episode sets the stage by discussing the evolution of single female characters on television and their cultural significance.

2. **The Single Woman Who Doesn’t Know What She Wants**: Here, the focus is on characters who struggle with indecisiveness and the quest for self-discovery.

3. **Caregivers and ‘Give Me a Break!’**: Featuring insights from Jennifer Fuller, PhD, this episode examines the trope of Black women as caregivers, highlighting characters.

4. **The Feminerd**: Furino introduces the concept of the “feminerd,” discussing female characters who are pioneering yet relatable, such as those portrayed by trailblazers like Tina Fey.

Through interviews and analysis, the series offers a comprehensive look at how these TV portrayals have mirrored and influenced Second and Third Wave feminism. It also considers why certain series have become timeless classics.